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Starkville nonprofit ministry to aid disaster victims

While innumerable scores of people suffer from natural disasters across the globe, one local group is gearing up to do what it has done so many times in the past - reach out a helping hand.

Nonprofit ministry Kingdom Outdoors, in conjunction with New Horizons Christian Fellowship (NHCF) and Hope Force International, has been involved in disaster relief both nationally and internationally dating back to 2004.

In the wake of destruction wrought by Hurricane Harvey, a deadly earthquake in Mexico and the possibility of more destruction to come from Hurricane Irma as it moves toward the states, the group's leaders are preparing to bring aid where it can.

Kingdom Outdoors Executive Director Josiah Buckner told the SDN on Saturday the greatest need in terms of what to give is time to volunteer.

"Money is great and resources are great, but the biggest resources needed right now is bodies and volunteers," Buckner said. "People want to be able to help, but can't figure out a way, and since we have these connections and organizations, we can send people to the place where they will have the most impact."

Hope Force International currently has teams on the west coast dealing with wild fires and are preparing to send teams to Mexico to help earthquake victims, in addition to preparing for Hurricane Irma - all of which underscores the need for as many volunteers as possible.

HFI has asked Kingdom Outdoors for help in funneling volunteers into its relief efforts.

Kingdom Outdoors is currently in the process of organizing a team to be on standby to deploy to Hurricane Irma and the latest disasters in Mexico.

Buckner said roughly five to six people are putting in the lion's share of the effort for Kingdom Outdoors, along with help from several local companies including Bell Building Supply, U-Save Car & Truck Rental and Academy Sports + Outdoors.

The nonprofit will be sending William Pochop, the Sports Coordinator for the city of Starkville Parks and Recreation Department, to the Houston area on Monday to deliver supplies and provide physical help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Crews in the area were in need of safety masks and Tyvek suits after running out. Through the Kingdom Outdoors disaster relief fund, the organization was able to purchase over 100 masks and suits for Pochop to deliver when he leaves on Monday.

As Pochop prepares to bring help to those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, he told the SDN he is proud to have the support of so many as he represents Starkville amid the cleanup effort.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity to offer aid where needed, and I'm thankful to have the support of my wife, my office and my city as I go out," Pochop said. "I hope I can represent them well, and that I can be a productive member of the disaster relief teams going out through Kingdom Outdoors and Hope Force International."